Starting June 21, free vaccines to all states for people above 18: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi has announced that the central government will give free vaccines to all the state governments for people above 18 years. Research on a nasal spray vaccine is going on in the country and if successful, it can significantly boost India's vaccination drive, said Modi.

Gaon Connection
| Updated: June 7th, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Twitter

In an address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that starting June 21, the central government will provide free vaccines to states for all people above 18 years of age. So far, the states were procuring vaccines from manufacturers for people above 18 years of age and the Centre was providing free vaccines for only those above 45 years of age.

“The central government has decided to buy total 75 per cent of vaccine production from vaccine makers, including 25 per cent of state quota, and give it free to state govts,” said PM Modi today June 7.

It has been announced that 25 per cent of vaccination work being done by states will now be handled by the central government. The Prime Minister announced this system will be implemented in the next two weeks.

Private hospitals can only charge Rs 150 as service charge on vaccines. 

Modi also announced that research on a nasal spray vaccine is going on in the country. “If successful, these can significantly boost India’s vaccination drive,” he said.

Seven firms in the country are in the process of producing different types of vaccines. Trial of three more vaccines in advanced stage. Vaccine supply will increase significantly in India in the coming days. Many more vaccines are currently at various levels of development, informed the prime minister.

Meanwhile, over 230 million doses have been administered in the country so far.